Starting a Private School in Iowa
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Iowa State Regulations
General Regulations
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Registration and licensing are not required, but schools must be accredited by the state or by an approved accrediting agency.
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Nonpublic schools must appoint an advisory committee to assist in guiding the school.
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The Iowa Department of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Iowa.
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Homeschooling can be provided by a licensed professional or as part of a free private instruction program enrolling no more than 4 students.
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The Iowa DOE has no published requirements for school insurance -- consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
In Iowa, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Department of Education.
Curriculum Requirements
Nonpublic schools must follow Iowa's extensive curriculum guidelines.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Teachers must hold licenses/certifications in the area they are hired to teach.
Food Services / Lunch
In Arizona, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Health and Nutrition Services division of the Department of Education.
Length of School Year
The school year must consist of 180 days, of which students must attend at least 147.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Schools must keep cumulative student records and provide student enrollment information if requested.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Schools must host fire and tornado drills each year.
Transportation
Nonpublic school students are entitled to transportation the same as public school students.
Testing
State agencies provide testing to nonpublic school students in the same manner as public school students.
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Califonia State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Independent Schools Association of the Central States: ISACS leads schools to pursue exemplary independent education.
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Iowa Association of Christian Schools (IACS): IACS represents Christian schools in public policy both by tracking public policy to provide information to member schools, as well as advocating on behalf of our member schools at the Iowa Legislature.
Government Websites
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Quick Guide Nav
We gathered so much information that we had to break it down into 10 chapters. This free information is well-researched- we even hunted down the rules and regulations for each state! If you're thinking about starting a private school, you will find this guide very handy!
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